Penguin Goes Postal

Postcards featuring classic book cover designs

In 1935, a British publisher named Allen Lane founded Penguin Books with the intention of making great literature available in attractive and inexpensive paperback editions. Covers were simple and recognizable, with bright horizontal bands of color. Seventy-five years later, these books have become among the most iconic designs of the 20th century. Postcards From Penguin houses 100 distinctive covers including editions of The Odyssey and Nineteen Eighty-Four, as well as a risqué Milton Glazer drawing for Rabbit, Run. Packaged in a handsome box, you might find them too nice to mail. And we can't blame you. They make great bookmarks, and would look lovely framed on a wall.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
ELLE Decor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.